Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper consists of a bassinet welded to the mattress's side, which allows you to reach baby in the middle night. This kind of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS and the Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a great parenting choice. Some parents are concerned that sleeping next to their child increases the risk of SIDS. However studies such as those conducted by NHS suggest the opposite. Co-sleeping is sharing a bed, which can increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cots with co sleepers have been designed to offer an appropriate place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas that allow parents to hold their child and gently nurse or comfort them without leaving the security of their bed.
It is important to feed and comfort your infant regularly. However, tired parents might have difficulty to get out of their bed to feed their child. The bedside co sleeper allows parents the option to keep their baby close and not need to leave their bed. Some co sleepers feature an innovative design, such as the SnuzPod. The four walls can be zipped down to transform the cot into a cradle, giving an additional layer of security. This allows exhausted parents to be able to watch their babies while lying in bed.
Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also not a good idea to sleep in a crib with a baby if the mother or father have an history of snoring. The NHS suggests that young babies are always put to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of accidental rolling and suffocation. The most secure option is to utilize a cot at the bedside or bassinet, or cradle.
Safety
The NHS recommends that babies be placed in their own cribs, rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation and overheating. Babies in bed with parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets, which can hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. This is why a crib that is placed near the bed is such a great solution. The crib is near the parents, preventing suffocation or overheating of the baby. It can still be easily accessible to feed the baby at night and also for comforting.
Parents around the world were eagerly anticipating the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became viral in 2004. They wanted to test safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm doctors aren't yet adamant about the idea of a sleeping cot that can be fixed to the side of a bed for an adult.
The most significant concern is that a parent may fall on the infant and cause strangulation or the child to suffocate. The risk is particularly high if a parent smokes, drinks alcohol or taking drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the risk of falling, and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and after childbirth.
If you decide to go with a bedside sleeper, it's vital to choose one that is in line with the highest safety standards. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and should not be prone to sagging. It is also important to be familiar with the recommended weight and age for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers be required to conform to the new safety standard, which was launched in November of 2020. It replaces the earlier standards. There are still older models on sale in a few stores however, they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers transition to the new safety standards.
If you opt for a second-hand model ensure that it is in good working order before you purchase it. Verify that the mechanism that holds the bed to the parent's bed is robust and doesn't leave a gap. Also, ensure that the mattress is placed inside the sleeper with no gaps or bulges. Sheets should fit snugly too, so that the baby is unable to wiggle inside and end up in a pocket or be in danger of suffocation.
Convenience
Many new parents experience the natural desire to be at their baby's side at night, however sleep experts like Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a safer alternative. They are designed to be attached to the sides of a parent's bed, allowing the baby to remain in reach to feed at night and relaxing. This allows parents to sleep well at the end of the night without having to leave their bed.
Children who sleep in separate bedrooms are more likely than others to experience pauses in their breathing (apnoea), and also are at an increased risk of SIDS. Research has proven that babies sleep better when they're in close proximity to their parents. You can also respond quickly to any issues or concerns, or even reassure your baby, making them more comfortable.
The best bassinet or bedside crib that is suitable for your family will depend on a few factors, including living situation and long-term plans. For example, if you are living with a spouse or household member who may want to use the bedside crib, it may be beneficial to consider convertible options that can be converted into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. We recommend that you contact us to inquire about this option.
The bedside crib helps foster bonding between the baby and mother. It's a convenient and safe choice for new parents who are exhausted. Studies have proven that mothers who breastfeed tend to breastfeed longer when their baby is close which results in an even stronger and more secure bond between them.
This is why a bedside cot is so popular and is a good option for a new mom who would like to keep their baby close. But, prior to purchasing travel cot bedside or co-sleeper, it's important to check that it complies with all of the safe sleeping and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It's also worth assessing what your budget is, since there are options at all price levels.